Our Scripture reading today is Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Every child needs training. This is one of the responsibilities of parents. They are to train their children in the specific way in which they are to go. The way is referring to wisdom and not folly and destruction. The world, the flesh and the devil will always lead to destruction. This is why children need the training of the parent. Training is active not passive. Training takes time. “Chanac, which we translate train up or initiate, signifies also dedicate; and is often used for the consecrating any thing, house, or person, to the service of God. Dedicate, therefore, in the first instance, your child to God; and nurse, teach, and discipline him as God's child, whom he has intrusted to your care.” (Clarke)
The first place our answer to prayer for labourers should come from is from within our own homes. Our children belong to God and should be reared with that in mind. May God help us to be trainers for the Master!